If you’re a runner, then at one point or another you’ve thought about running in the Buffalo Marathon. Not being a runner myself, I can’t even imagine the thought of such a grueling undertaking. Despite the crazy amount of training involved, and the run itself, the Buffalo Marathon has been growing in numbers, as has the Greater Buffalo running community. This Memorial Day, runners will come from around the world to participate in the USA Track and Field Certified event, while taking in the city in a way that one can only do by foot. “Runners from across our region and beyond are invited to take part in this unforgettable race,” said John Beishline, Race Director. “We look forward to again showcasing the beauty and appeal of Western New York to the runners and spectators who come out in support of this event.”
An interesting twist is the live music that will be played on-course… of course. That should be an interesting sight to see while running the streets of Downtown Buffalo. Not to mention the sounds. The time is now to sign up for the marathon!
Buffalo Marathon – Sunday, May 27. Learn more about the Buffalo Marathon in this BRO article.
Here are more details about the event:
The event offers runners the opportunity to take part in a full- or half-marathon or four-person relay race, and each course takes runners on a flat and fast scenic tour of some of Buffalo’s most beautiful neighborhoods. All marathon events begin at 7 a.m. in front of the Hyatt Regency Hotel on Pearl Street in downtown Buffalo. See maps and course information on BuffaloMarathon.com. This year’s race will feature a patriotic theme in observance of Memorial Day, giving athletes and spectators alike the chance to observe the holiday and celebrate civic pride in downtown Buffalo. For the first time ever, local music groups will provide on-course entertainment. Bands interested in performing on the course should contact the Buffalo Marathon Race Committee at information@buffalomarathon.com.
All participants in this year’s Buffalo Marathon can take advantage of a pre-race spaghetti dinner and expo on Saturday, May 26, and a race day party and awards ceremony at the Buffalo Niagara Convention Center. All marathon runners who finish under six hours receive a commemorative finisher’s medal designed after the Buffalo Nickel. All half marathon runners who finish receive a similar commemorative finisher’s medal. Many runners will use the event as the opportunity to raise funds for charities and non-profits, including Hospice of Buffalo, Roswell Park Cancer Institute and research of neurofibromatosis 2. Runners may use the marathon, a USA Track and Field Certified event, as a qualifying event for the Boston Marathon. The marathon will again provide pace teams that help runner stay at their desired pace in the full- or half-marathon.
Volunteers are needed for a variety of pre-race and race day needs. Interested volunteers may email volunteer@buffalomarathon.com to learn more. A free 26.2-yard fun run for children will be held on Saturday, May 26 for kids ages 2 to 12 and will include refreshments and ribbons for all finishers. Participants can sign up at the Buffalo Marathon Expo starting at noon. Major sponsors of the Buffalo Marathon include Tops Markets, MarathonGuide.com, Elmwood Health Center, Runners Roost, Tony Martin Awards, Sahlen’s, Crystal Rock, Molson, Eagle Point, Donnelly Design, Mike Barney Nissan, Hyatt Regency, First Niagara, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Elmwood Medical Center, Score This!!!, and Penske Trucks. More information is available at BuffaloMarathon.com. Runners, volunteers and supporters can see the latest news from the Buffalo Marathon at Facebook.com/BuffaloMarathon and Twitter.com/BuffaloMarathon.
Photo: Buffalo Marathon Facebook page